In December of 2005, the WCGE organized a three-day working session on the topic „Africa 2015 – 2050: Our Future – our Vision“. This session brought together both graduate and post-graduate students from various study fields as well as scientists from the domains of development politics, economics and the media. The graduate and post-graduate students, who came from Benin, Cameroon, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and the USA discussed with experts from Austria and Germany about actual developments in Africa as well as questions regarding the future of the African Union. This event was attended by prominent guests such as the Tanzanian Ambassador Ali A. Karume as well as representatives from the Algerian and Senegalese embassies. The participants discussed issues on present development and of a joint vision for Africa 2015-2050. The „New Partnership for African Development“ (NEPAD) Program, in which African governments committed themselves to foster political, economic and social reforms as well as to promote Good Governance, was analysed. Special focus was given to the importance of Good Governance and Micro- Finance Instruments. The role of the media as well as elements for sustainable development such as the availability of water and energy were also held in focus. The students also broached the issue of their contribution to the development of their various countries upon their return as well as the difficulties that may arise as a result. The central message that came out of the meeting was that Africa must be seen as an economic and political partner and not as a receiver of development assistance from the industrialised countries. |
